麻辣 málà hot and numbing
How to remember 麻辣: 麻 hemp + 辣 hot = hot and numbing.
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How it is used
- Numbingly spicy - the signature Sichuan flavor - 麻辣火锅 (málà huǒguō) numbing-spicy hotpot, 麻辣烫 (málàtàng) spicy hot soup with skewers.
- A specific taste: 麻 (tongue-numbing from Sichuan peppercorn) + 辣 (chili heat), not just 'hot'.
- Register: food; central to 川菜 (Sichuan cuisine).